Supplements After Breast Cancer: Why It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All

We’re halfway through October, which is known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I’ve been thinking a lot about supplements and breast cancer.

I take quite a few supplements daily, but one thing I’ve learned over the years is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Everywhere you look, you’ll see influencers, wellness experts, and even news outlets promoting different supplements - from collagen and creatine to patches that claim to take away pain. Many of these can be beneficial for some people, so I’m not discounting that. And I’d like to believe most people sharing these truly want to help others - but are they actually safe for everyone? Especially for someone who’s had hormone-driven breast cancer?

My Experience

This isn’t medical advice, it’s simply my personal experience.

Over the years, at various appointments with my oncology team, I’ve asked about taking things like collagen, creatine, and other supplements and some doctors have said they are perfectly fine. While others have told me to avoid them altogether.

The data is mixed, and even in some of the breast cancer survivor groups I’m part of, the feedback is all over the place. Some women are told it’s safe, while others are warned to skip them.

For me, that uncertainty is enough for me to not take them. So, I personally choose to skip collagen (and other similar supplements) until there’s more conclusive research. And yes - I know there are different types of collagen, but for now, I avoid all of them.

Why I’m Cautious

The supplement industry is largely unregulated. That means what’s on the label isn’t always what’s actually in the bottle. There can be hidden ingredients, contaminants, or hormone-active compounds that aren’t clearly listed.

And when you’ve had a hormone-driven cancer like I have, that’s a risk I’m not willing to take.

If You’re in Treatment or Post-Cancer

If you’re currently in treatment or have had breast cancer in the past, please check with your oncologist or care team before adding any supplements.

Some supplements can interfere with chemotherapy or radiation, while others might impact how medications are absorbed or metabolized. Even post-treatment, your body is still adjusting and what’s safe for one person might not be right for another.

The Bottom Line

I’m all for doing what supports our health, but I’ve learned to be cautious, to ask questions, and to make informed decisions.

Because “natural” doesn’t automatically mean “safe.”

As always, be your own advocate, trust your instincts, and work closely with your healthcare team to decide what’s right for you.